On September 24, 2026, a delegation of Guinean education unions, known as the intersyndicale de l'Éducation, met with Prime Minister Bah Oury at the Primature in Conakry. The meeting aimed to address concerns and clear up misunderstandings between the government and the unions. According to Michel Pépé Balamou, one of the union leaders, the Prime Minister was receptive to their concerns and showed a willingness to engage in dialogue.
The union leaders expressed their concerns regarding the implementation of the protocol agreement signed on January 3, 2026. The Prime Minister reportedly gave instructions to the relevant sectoral departments to address the outstanding issues. Balamou stated that the Prime Minister's approach is to find a mutually beneficial solution, rather than pursuing a confrontational approach. This development has raised hopes that the issues between the government and the unions can be resolved through dialogue.
According to Balamou, the Prime Minister believes that the current divergences between the government and the unions are largely due to differences in interpretation of certain provisions in the protocol agreement. The Prime Minister is said to have emphasized that there is no intention to engage in confrontation, but rather to clarify the meanings of certain terms and expressions. This perspective was reportedly shared and accepted by the union leaders.
The intersyndicale de l'Éducation has reiterated its commitment to dialogue and co-construction with the government. The union leaders emphasized their role as a social force that seeks to promote constructive engagement, rather than confrontation. They expressed their willingness to work with the government to find mutually beneficial solutions that address the concerns of both parties.
The meeting between the Prime Minister and the union leaders is seen as a positive step towards resolving the issues affecting the education sector in Guinea. The union leaders have welcomed the Prime Minister's approach and are optimistic that it will lead to a resolution of the outstanding issues. Further meetings are expected to take place in the coming days to finalize the details of the agreement.
The Guinean government has been working to address the concerns of various stakeholders, including the education unions. The Prime Minister's engagement with the unions is seen as part of a broader effort to promote social dialogue and cooperation. The outcome of these efforts will likely have a significant impact on the education sector and the broader social and economic landscape in Guinea.
The meeting between the Prime Minister and the education union leaders has raised hopes that the issues affecting the education sector can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation. Key issues that need to be addressed include the implementation of the protocol agreement and the interpretation of certain provisions. The willingness of both parties to engage in dialogue has created a positive atmosphere for a resolution.
Key points
- The Guinean government and education unions are engaged in dialogue to address concerns and clear up misunderstandings.
- The Prime Minister has given instructions to relevant sectoral departments to address outstanding issues.
- The parties are working to resolve issues through co-construction and social dialogue.
